System and markup language for information extraction from stand-alone devices in webspace

ABSTRACT

A system and markup language for information extraction from stand-alone devices in webspace is disclosed. Devices are provided with Internet accessibility, thus becoming web objects, able to send and receive data through the Internet. A web object is assigned a static and dynamic serial number by its manufacturer which contains data pertaining to the web object/device. Also, the web object has the capability to report on its status, making such information available over the Internet. Thus, the device&#39;s owner can monitor the device by accessing it through the Internet and a web page, and the manufacturer or other authorized user can also securely access the device/web object to monitor its status. The web object can thus report that maintenance is required, a service part should be ordered, and maintains this information within the dynamic portion of its serial number, which updates based on changes to its status.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The internet is used for a variety of functions, including transmissionof data, text, pictures, and music. Most Internet access is currentlyobtained through wired means, such as a DSL line or a cable modem.Increasingly though, Internet access is available wirelessly, eitherwithin a structure such a home or outside a structure such as in apublic park. As wireless Internet begins to become the dominant form ofInternet access worldwide, new opportunities to connect previouslyunconnected devices to the Internet become possible.

Currently, most devices, aside from computers, personal data assistants,and wireless phones do not have the capability to receive or send datathrough the Internet. To the Internet, these devices are unreachable andtherefore do not exist. However, by providing a wireless Internetconnection component to these devices, they may then be connected to theInternet and be manipulated remotely. The dominant Internet language iscurrently HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). A markup language is acombination of text and extra information pertaining to the text. Thereare many different languages, however, but none treat devices as webobjects able to be viewed as a webpage. Web objects are hereinafterdefined as an object which can transmit its specific data via theInternet to a remote user who can view and manipulate the data via a webbrowser.

Viewing a device as a web object is desirable because it creates anumber of opportunities to interact with a device. Besides simplyviewing a device's static information—such as its serial number, modelnumber, and location—a user can also interact dynamically with a device.By equipping a device with a mini-server (a computer that accepts HTTPrequests from web browsers and provides data flow) a user can retrievedata from the mini-server pertaining to the device but also monitor thedevice and command the device to do certain tasks remotely.

Another desirable aspect of viewing a device as a web object is theability to gather data for research purposes. Manufacturers ofproducts/devices are always very curious as to how they are being used,and obtaining this information through traditional means is difficult,expensive, time consuming, and generally not very accurate. However, ifa manufacturer could access performance data from every device it sells,every day each device is operable, the data gained would be invaluabletoward continuous improvement processes. Viewing all devices made by amanufacturer as a web object would enable a manufacturer to achieve thatgoal.

What is needed then is a system and markup language for informationextraction from stand-alone devices in the Internet. The presentinvention uses an object-oriented markup language, similar to HTML toapply the concepts of language intent to correctly convey the meaning ofa content-based webpage. This new scripting method and language makes anelectronic device a web object in webspace (the Internet). The method ofthe present invention provides for a user to interact with many devicesin webspace. Further, the present invention also includes miniatureservers (mini-servers) that are attached to or integral to the devicesor objects. These mini-servers connect wirelessly and securely to theInternet and communicate using the markup language of the presentinvention to present to designated users a webpage display of thedevices in a web browser. The web browser extracts information from themini-server equipped devices for analysis and processing in an easy andefficient manner over the Internet. The present invention also providesfor different human languages (such as English, French, Japanese, etc.)to be displayed on the webpages, depending on the user's preferences andlocation.

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentinvention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein,may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the presentinvention, as represented in figures, is not intended to limit the scopeof the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of selectedembodiments of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” (or similar) means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearancesof the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in variousplaces throughout this specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are provided, such asexamples, etc., to provide a through understanding of embodiments of theinvention. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that theinvention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details,or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a markup language and system to beused with devices or objects that treats them as web objects able to beviewed over the Internet and displayed as webpages. Each device orobject is equipped with a mini-server that has a unique IP address.Using wireless communication, the mini-server connects to the Internet.A remote user then enters the IP address of the mini-server, connectingto the device. Using the markup language, data is processed by themini-server and communicated via the Internet and displayed as a webpage for the user to interpret. The user can then send data or commandsback to the device or the user can monitor the device as desired.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a device, for example awater treatment system (WTS), is equipped with a mini-server that iswirelessly connected to the Internet and also monitors performance dataof the device, such as the amount of filter life remaining. As soon asthe device is electrified, the mini-server looks for a wireless Internetconnection. Upon finding a connection, the mini-server accesses theInternet and contacts preprogrammed sites; for example, themanufacturer's website. The device then relays current statusinformation to the manufacturer over the Internet. After this initialcontact, the device is accessible to those who know its IP address andthose who become aware of it, such as the owner/operator. The owner maybe provided with the device's IP address in the device's productliterature, and may, at his/her discretion, decide to access thedevice's webpage. The markup language of the present invention providesan understandable format to display data in a webpage from the devicefor the user or other approved party to manipulate. In the case of thecurrent example, as the mini-server of the WTS device detects the filtercapacity declining below a preset level, the device mini-server sends asignal through the Internet to a designated party who ships areplacement to the device's location, without the owner's intervention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the mini-server isconfigured to monitor device activity and report said activity todesignated parties through the Internet. Using an air conditioner (A/C)as an example device, it is equipped with a mini-server that wirelesslyconnects to the Internet and also monitors and controls the airconditioner. When the air conditioner is connected to electrical power,the mini-server seeks an Internet connection and establishes an initialdata connection. The mini-server reports to designated parties thelocation of the air conditioner on the Internet and other setupinformation as applicable. After the first data connection, the A/C isalso accessible to the owner/operator, who is provided with the A/C'sunique IP address. The owner is then able to access the A/C using themarkup language of the present invention to provide an interactivewebpage. It supplies the owner with information such as whether or notthe device is currently operating, interior temperature and humiditylevel, power consumption, and other applicable data. Additionally, otherdesignated parties are able to access the device as well, and extractother information as desired. Other parties could include the devicemanufacturer, the local electrical power company, or market researchcompanies. In another application of the present invention, upon theowner's approval the electrical power provider in the area could accessthe owner's devices through the webpage and selectively deactivate oradjust other devices in order to conserve energy during peak demand orother situations.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the system and markuplanguage is used to monitor the medical condition of patients. Patientsare given mini-servers that have wireless Internet connectivity and aninternal power supply to keep on their person. These mini-servers areable to monitor patients' condition, such as pulse, blood pressure, andother pertinent data. When the mini-servers are assigned to patients,some data is implanted in the devices, such as names, insurance carrier,and other unique data. As they first monitor their respective patients,they send data through the Internet, using their own internalmini-servers. The data is accessed by designated parties, such as thehospital where the patients are residing. Doctors, nurses, and otherstaff can simply access the webpage each mini-server creates whichprovides real-time medical data regarding each patient, and can alsopresent data recorded over time, such as pulse rate and other data whichis valuable for treatment. The markup language processes the dataobtained by the mini-server and arranges in a format that is coherentlyassembled in a webpage, treating each patient as a web-viewable entity.Additionally, patients are able to travel outside the hospital, sincethe devices have wireless Internet connectivity, to other locations,such as their residences. This freedom of movement allows a doctor tomonitor his patients in real-time without any inconvenience. If apatient's health suddenly worsens, for example, the doctor isimmediately alerted through the Internet, and emergency services can besummoned to the patient's location, saving critical time in treating thepatient.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the system and markuplanguage is used to monitor a home entertainment system (HES). The HESis equipped with a mini-server that wirelessly and securely communicatesthrough the Internet. The mini-server has a unique IP address which isaccessible to authorized users who can view the HES as a webpage throughthe markup language of the present invention. For example, a parent isable to monitor the entertainment chosen by his or her child through theusage of the HES over the Internet from any location. Certain channelscan be locked out, or the HES can be time-limited to control TV viewingon a periodic basis. The mini-server also records the activities of theHES for communication to the webpage, such as shows or videos watched.The mini-server can also control the HES, such as deactivating the HESat a certain time every day, and other pertinent data about HESperformance is also monitored and displayed.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the system and markuplanguage is used to monitor vehicles. Each vehicle is equipped with amini-server with wireless Internet connectivity and encryptioncapability. Using the IP (Internet Protocol) address unique to eachmini-server (and vehicle), each vehicle is displayed on its own webpage.The markup language of the present invention is used to communicate dataand display it on a webpage in a useable format. When each vehicle isequipped with a mini-server, either at assembly or at a later date, themini-server is assigned to the vehicle, given certain data regarding thevehicle, such as make, model, year, vehicle ID number, and otherrelevant data. The mini-server then connects to the Internet tocommunicate with designated computers. After this initial setup, themini-server then monitors the vehicle and any user with the vehicle's IPaddress can view the vehicle's webpage. For example, a fleet of vehiclesequipped with mini-servers can be constantly monitored by the fleetowner. Location, current speed, mileage, vehicle condition, and checkengine light are some of the conditions that are monitored and reportedin real-time. Using the present invention, a fleet owner can constantlysupervise each vehicle in its fleet, and whether each vehicle is beingproperly operated. Additionally, the mini-server is able to interactwith vehicle systems, such as applying a speed governor or shutting theengine off if necessary.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the mini-server providesvaried levels of information in the markup language about the device todifferent users. For example, in the case of a water treatment system,the owner's webpage displays only basic information, such as the makeand model of the device, filter status, consumption data, etc. Themanufacturer's webpage displays all the information that the mini-serverpossesses, which includes total use time, software version, frequency ofuse, water pressure at filter, etc. The manufacturer is free to use thisinformation to design improved future products, to send replacementparts as needed, or to send a service technician for maintenance andrepair.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the mini-server isconfigured to allow access for market research. The manufacturer maydesire to learn more about the usage of its products in the field, andcan employ a research firm to collect data and prepare reports. Theresearch firm can be provided with the IP addresses of all devices thatare to be studied, and can then develop a program to collect and analyzethe data from all the devices. The manufacturer can then use thisinformation to develop new and better products, or to resolve issues inthe field.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the engine is configured toprovide only basic information to a user on a webpage, such as the nameof the device, date activated, and usage. For example, in the case of awater treatment system, the webpage displayed to the user containsinformation relevant to volume of water treated, percentage of filterlife remaining, and power consumption, among other data of interest tothe user.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the engine can bereconfigured to provide different information based on the requester,and provide information tailored to that requester's needs. For example,the retailer of a device can tailor the accessed webpage to displayinformation different from that of the user display. The model number,software version, performance data are illustrative of information thatthe manufacturer would be much more concerned with obtaining from thedevice, though the information displayed could optionally be modified todisplay additional (or less) information, under defined guidelines.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the engine is configuredfor a remote host, which has complete access to all information thedevice contains. Using the same water treatment system example aspreviously, the manufacturer is able to obtain all information thedevice contains, such as the date purchased, date of first use, date oflast use, frequency of use, power consumption, and any and all data thatthe device is capable of generating.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the engine is configuredto allow other parties to access the device's webpage for the purposesof analyzing and extracting information. For example, a company directedby the manufacturer could study the devices using the webpageinformation generated by each device of a given model device. Thecompany could then analyze the data and provide the manufacturer theresults, market data or data used in future research and development,among other reasons. By using the present invention in this manner,manufacturers can be constantly aware of all products in themarketplace, and use the information to design better devices, forexample, that meet the needs of actual consumers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic layout of various embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a min-server according to at least oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, the system and method of the present inventionis shown, with several embodiments. A wireless Internet network 1 isshown, with Internet connections to a number of mini-servers 2.

In a first embodiment, device 3 is shown with a mini-server 2 containedwithin device 3 and is electronically connected to device 3.Alternatively, mini-server 2 could be attached to the exterior surfaceof device 3, or located some distance from device 3. In any arrangement,mini-server 2 has an electronic connection to device 3 is able tomonitor and control device 3 if desired. Device 3 could, for example, bea household appliance, such as a water treatment system. When the watertreatment system is activated (electrically powered up), the mini-server2 makes a wireless connection to the Internet. Mini-server 2 containsthe markup language of the present invention, which is detailed below.The markup language allows the device to be treated as an object on awebpage, through the mini-server's unique IP address. As a result, anInternet user enters the IP address of the water treatment systemmini-server and is presented with a webpage that represents the waterfilter. The webpage displays varied information, depending upon theuser. Such information includes the IP address and location of the waterfilter, the current status of the water filter, life remaining in thetreatment system filter element, and so forth. The access to the watertreatment system is secured through an encryption and password system,so that unwanted access to the water treatment system (or any otherdevice equipped with a mini-server 2) is prevented. Additionally, themini-server 2 is integral to the water treatment system or any otherdevice so equipped in that along with monitoring its device, themini-server can also control the device. Using the same water treatmentsystem example, if the mini-server detects a situation that is beyondfactory defined parameters, the mini-server is able to deactivate thewater treatment system to prevent further use. An alert is then sentthrough the Internet to the manufacturer, in this example, so that thesituation may be remedied. Since the mini-server is a powerful computer,it has the ability to store, process, and manipulate data that itreceives or generates. In a related example, if the mini-server 2detects that the water filter's element is nearly full, the mini-servercan contact the manufacturer or other supplier to automatically send anew replacement element to its location, eliminating the need for theowner to obtain a new element and insuring a high level of performancebefore the water treatment system filter element requires replacement.Customer satisfaction with the water treatment system is greatlyenhanced and product integrity is maintained.

In another embodiment of the present invention, mini-server 4 is issuedto student 5 upon enrollment at a school or at a public place, such asan amusement park (not shown). The human-portable mini-server 4 containsall of the student's critical information (home address, contactnumbers, blood type, allergies, medical conditions, etc.) Themini-server in this embodiment also includes a GPS device or otherlocating system, which provides the school administration the exactlocation of all students via a wireless Internet connection. Themini-server 4 may also include a security-access device that only allowsstudents who have the mini-server on their person into a facility, suchas through a turnstile gate system (not shown). In the event of anemergency, headcounts are easily made by simply accessing the Internetwebpages of all students. Students not at school (home sick, onvacation) would be shown as not present since their mini-servers wouldbe accessing the Internet from outside the school location, provided bytheir IP address. In this way, a school authority can determine thewhereabouts of all of its students with a few keystrokes.

In the example of an amusement park or other public place,human-portable mini-servers can be assigned to all attending individualsin the form of a wristband or other accessory, or incorporated into anarticle of clothing. The mini-servers can then be used to monitor thelocation of individuals within the public place. This has manyadvantages. First, the operators of a public place can easily locate anindividual in an emergency, such as at a concert, sporting event oramusement park. Second, the flow of individuals within an area can bemeasured and studied. This information can show where pedestrianbottlenecks are located, which areas are more popular, or the waitingtimes for rollercoaster rides, for example. By tracking how longindividuals are waiting in lines, an accurate display can be provided toa message board at the entrance of the ride. Those individuals wishingto enter the line will have a good estimate of how long the wait timewill be before they reach the front of the line.

When the individuals are ready to depart the public place, such as anamusement parks the mini-servers can be collected for reuse andreassignment. An incentive plan could offer some compensation to theindividuals for wearing the mini-server, such as a souvenir, or themini-server itself could be a souvenir, fashioned into an object that iscollectable or desirable to individual patrons, such as a bracelet orkey ring.

In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1,mini-server 6 is located within vehicle 7. In this embodiment,mini-server 6 monitors and may optionally control vehicle 6's operationsas well as its geographical location. In this application, mini-server 6draws power from the vehicle 7's battery so the mini-server is able tomonitor the vehicle even while it is stationary and inactive. Themini-server is able to monitor the vehicle's performance, such ascurrent speed, average speed, fuel economy, driving attributes(measuring g-forces), etc. This information is wirelessly transmittedvia the Internet to the webpage accessible by the vehicle's owner, forexample. Using the example of a vehicle fleet owner, each vehicle hasits own mini-server with a wireless Internet connection. The mini-serveris integrated into the vehicle's on-board computer, which controls suchfunctions as engine management, anti-lock brake operation, etc. At anytime, the fleet owner or other approved party may view the vehicle'swebpage by entering its IP address into a web browser. If the vehicle isparked in its proper location, the webpage will display thatinformation, provided by the mini-server with geographical locatingability. Also displayed is the vehicle ID number, license plate number,the name of employee assigned to the vehicle, and other data, such asodometer mileage. When the vehicle's engine is started, the mini-serverupdates the changed information through the Internet and the webpagereflects the updated information. Thus it is possible to monitor thevehicle in real-time, on the vehicle's webpage, if desired. Parametersmay be used to govern the vehicle, such as an overall vehicle speedlimit, or an outer range from the vehicle's base. In the event that theoperator of the vehicle violates a parameter, the mini-server is able toeither dissuade the activity (use brakes/throttle to slow down vehicle)or simply logs the violation for future action by the fleet owner.Another advantage of this embodiment is the ability of the fleet ownerto very accurately record and document vehicle mileage, such as betweendelivery stops, for billing and other purposes.

In another embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 1,mini-server 8 is installed within home entertainment system (HES) 9.Mini-server 8 is electronically connected to the devices in the HES,such as the TV, VCR, DVD player, cable box, etc. The mini-server is alsowirelessly connected to the Internet, enabling a parent, for example, toaccess the HES by entering its IP address into a web browser. Displayedin the webpage is a list of all devices in the HES, model numbers, powerconsumption, and current activity, for example. The parent is able tosee, displayed on the webpage, what is being watched on the HEScurrently and what has been watched previously, including time and date.Also, the parent is able to lock out certain channels or certain shows,using the mini-server's connection to the cable box or other channelcontroller. If the parent desires to limit HES usage to a set period perday, the mini-server is able to receive that command through the webpageand execute it if the set number of hours is exceeded. An additionaladvantage of the present invention is that the location of themini-server may be obtained for security reasons. If the HES is stolen,for example, the mini-server will report that its location has changed,and the new location will be shown on the HES' webpage. The mini-servermay be programmed to send an alert and a request for deactivation if theHES has been stolen, rendering it inactive and useless.

Computer 10 with an Internet connection displays a webpage 11 using themarkup language of the present invention. Mini-servers 2, 4, 6, and 8 asan example shown in FIG. 1 connect wirelessly to the Internet so as tobe available for access by computer 10 when a user enters themini-servers' IP addresses into a web browser. The webpage displayallows easy comprehension and display of the devices (with mini-servers)being monitored and options available for each device. As explainedabove, data relevant to each device is recorded and monitored, softwareare sent to upgrade or maintain the mini-servers, and commands are sentto each mini-device as well.

Referring now to FIG. 2, mini-server 10 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention is shown. Antenna 11 enables the mini-server todetect and establish wireless Internet connections whereby data iscommunicated to users in the Internet. Connected to antenna 11 ismini-server central processing unit (CPU) 12, which analyzes data,receives communications, and arranges the data into the markup languageof the present invention. Power supply 13 supplies power to CPU 12 whichmay be supplemented by power cord 14 in certain embodiments. Sensors 15which monitor, obtain, and control a device are connected to CPU 12. Insome embodiments, additional communication with a device is obtainedthrough connection wire 16. Housing 17 encloses and protects mini-server10. In some embodiments, housing 17 is deleted and antenna 11, CPU 12,and sensors 15 are integrated into a device.

CPU 12 is programmed with the markup language of the present inventionwhich allows for a device to be treated as an object in a webpage.Instead of using HTML, which produces a generally unreadable script, themarkup language of the present invention is used, which represents thedevice in clearly defined terms. Additionally, CPU 12 has the ability toanalyze data, communicate data, and control its device if necessarythrough connection wire 16 or directly though a controller/computer ofthe device. For example, if mini-server, 10 is connected to a vehicle,the power supply 4 of mini-server 10 is recharged by and draws powerfrom the vehicle electrical system with power cord 14. Sensors 15 arenot limited to the sensors of mini-server 10, but also the sensors andother electronics of the vehicle, such as the speedometer. The CPU 12receives and processes data from multiple sources, and encodes allinformation to the markup language of the present invention.

The markup language of the present invention is directed toward alanguage that is intent-based. It is defined as a language that is notstrictly connected only to the text of the script, but also the intentof the language. For example, the term “technical university”, whentranslated into other languages, may not have the exact same meaning asit does in English. According to the markup language of the presentinvention, nested “tags” are created to indicate the object of theintent of the term. Thus “technical university” is defined according thelanguage of the present invention as“<institution><university><technical>”, so that a computer can easilylocate and analyze terms in the language.

The markup language and system of the present invention consists of twoparts—the mini-server in webspace and the web browsers that interactwith the mini-server. The mini-server accepts requests for access,allowing data to be transmitted, and preventing unauthorized access aswell. The markup language enables the device to be defined bothstatically and dynamically. The browser is an interpreter which takesthe language script and displays the information on the webpage,depending on the predetermined level of clearance.

The markup language and mini-server allow users to access the device,whether the user is the actual owner of the product, the distributor, amarket research firm, or the manufacturer. The predetermined level ofinformation displayed is provided for each user, so that no privateinformation is disclosed or no unnecessary information overwhelms auser. In effect, the mini-server filters the data, allowing only thepertinent information to reach the desired users.

An important aspect of the present invention is that the object-orientedlanguage turns devices into web-based objects; in other words, devicesare given identities on the Internet that users can access. Thatidentity is a webpage and each device displays information about itselfon its webpage. Not only can users interact with devices through theInternet, but devices can also interact with other devices independentof human-driven contact. For example, devices of the same make and modelcan access each other's webpage and determine which device has thenewest software version installed. The device with the older version canthen download the newer version from the other device, or contact themanufacturer for the upgrade. This is particularly useful in the eventthe device has been inactive for a long period, such as the time frommanufacture to the first activation by the end user, or if the device issimply infrequently used. Devices can recognize other devices that areof the same type or manufacturer and become linked, in a form of anelectronic family. A host or other user could then access this family ofdevices as a whole, rather than separately. For example, devices withina home could prioritize themselves and deactivate themselves to saveenergy.

Technical Documentation of the Markup Language:

The current group of Internet languages are non-standard and interferewith each other. HTML is a standard script for webpages, but HTML has nocapability to run a content-driven web page. Even for a very simplewebpage, the HTML version of the webpage tells very little about thecontent of the webpage. Aside from the meta-tags, whose sole purpose isto provide a small amount of content for the object-oriented webconcept, there is other way to understand what the actual content of thewebpage is unless you are a human user interpreting the final result ofthe webpage on a computer screen.

Under the new markup language of the present invention, a newobject-oriented interface is created, resulting in a content-basedscript, which is practical and clear for any device to utilize. Anexample is shown below:

<institution>  <university>   <technical>   <name>Acme Institute ofTechnology</name>  <user page>   <menu>   <selection:1>What'snew</selection>    <selection properties=size...>News</selection>   <selection properties=bold...>Business</selection>  <selection:2>properties=font>Academics</selection>

Each tag listed, shown above in an example, represents somethingpertaining to the webpage and its contents. In contrast with currentmarkup languages, which are inflexible and unintelligible to both humansand devices, the language of the present invention is content-basedwhich enables a user to define a webpage by indiscriminate content, butalso a computer that is programmed to conduct automated research canmake sense of the webpage contents since all information is clearlylabeled.

Another advantage of the language is the indiscriminate content, whicheliminates language barriers. The content of the webpage moves throughtranslation seamlessly, since the webpage states that it is intent forrepresentation (i.e., <university>, <institution>). In other words, ageneric term such as institution can be further represented, ordescribed, in the tree structure as shown above, to provide more detailas required. For example, in Germany, there are various terms thatdescribe educational institutions that overlap those used in AmericanEnglish. This tree structure of the language eliminates this potentiallyconfusing situation.

EXAMPLE

For illustration, an example device (a water treatment system) will beused to demonstrate the present invention. This device is located in awireless network at a remote location.

Each tag is object (or device) oriented. This language is highlyportable and embeddable in various electronic devices, such as a watertreatment system.

<class>  <type>   <definitions> </definitions>   <characteristics></characteristics>  <user page> ...

An example of the language as applied to the water treatment system:

<device>  <water treatment system>   <inventor> Acme Incorporated</inventor>   <encrypted serial number> 11135889736292436 </encryptedserial   number>   <manufacturer> Acme Incorporated    <place> Anytown,USA </place>    <factory> 12 </factory>   </manufacturer>   <name>widget </name>   <model> Z 240I </model>   <weight>    <pounds> 22.0</pounds>    <kilograms> 10 </kilograms>   </weight>   <dimensions>   <height> 5 cm </>    <length> 8.657 cm </>    <width> 40.0 cm </>  </dimensions>   <usage>    <water volume>402.781 </water volume> </>  <number of times used>667 </>   <percentage used>30% </>   <user page>   ‘’enclosed is any script or page information for direct user access  </user page>  </water treatment system> </device>

The <device> tag represents the class of the object/device in webspace.In other instances, <automated machine>, <webpage>, <script>, etc, arepossible descriptors of the class of the object to be defined inwebspace. Next is <type>, which in this example is “water treatmentsystem”. A computer program within the mini-server is designed tointerpret this script and information. The browser contacts the IPaddress of the treatment system, and would receive the script listedabove, sent from the device's mini-server. The browser is able tocontact certain types of devices—in this example, water treatmentsystems. The engine can also limit its queries by inventor, AcmeIncorporated only, for example.

If the browser looks as the following portion of the script below, itcan obtain information

<weight>  <pounds> 22.0 </pounds>  <kilograms> 10 </kilograms> </weight><dimensions>  <height> 5 cm </>  <length> 8.657 cm </>  <width> 40.0 cm</> </dimensions>and easily determine that </manufacturer> denotes the end of themanufacturer information; <weight> signifies the beginning of the weightinformation; <pounds>22.0</pounds> is understood to denote asub-characteristic of “weight, or a type of weight, which is units ofpounds and has a numerical value of 22.0. For metric weight, <kilograms>is provided as well. Please note that both units of weight are on thesame indent, or nesting level. This arrangement tells the engine thateach value is a weight characteristic and can be used at the discretionof the interpreting engine. In the case of a computer with a browser,based in Europe, accessing a device in the USA, since results aredesired in metric units, only the metric value will be accessed. Alsoincluded in the language of the present invention is a short-hand methodof closing tags “</”.

The <user page> tag is a standard level tag which is nested inside thetype tag (<type> or <water treatment system> in the example). This tagis included in the event the host or user desires to embed anyadditional script. The script need not be compatible with theobject-oriented format, or it may be a script that is object-oriented inthe markup language and could be used to program a user interface. Forexample, the <user page> tag could be a default webpage that opens if aweb browser attempts to access the device IP address. This is useful todeter a user from altering the background tags, which have moreimportance to the host, manufacturer, or computer programs conductingresearch meant to access the particular information. Rather, the user ispresented with an attractive user interface webpage, which provides allthe information the user has need of.

The scripting technique of the present invention acts fluidly, flexiblychanging between the embedded hardware and the outside user, whether enduser, manufacturer, or other party, and the analyzing engine.Importantly, the encrypted dynamic serial number is securely extractedto a host or outside computer with no risk to the user's privacy. Whilethe serial numbers are encrypted, the host or computer program caneasily browse through many devices and quickly extract the desiredinformation.

The processor of information in the present invention is the browser.The browser accesses many devices through their mini-servers by IPaddresses, reads the script, such as shown above, and interprets it. Thebrowser extracts the encrypted serial number, decrypts the numbers, andextracts any information regarding each device as programmed. Thebrowser considers each device unique, according to its serial number,usually treated as the defining factor. However, other factors could beused to sort the information, such as IP address, location, usage rate,etc.

The present invention is very versatile. Tags can be altered andexchanged to follow different formats for different needs. See theexamples below detailing the script's versatility.

Host Access: Acme Incorporated Serial Number: 11135889736292436

*the serial number is hidden otherwise*

Manufacturer: Acme Incorporated Factory: 12 Model: Z 2401

Percent used: 70%Times used: 667Query Prompt: “to give a command for asking anything about the device,which may be an option.”

User Access John Q. Public Manufacturer: Acme Incorporated, Anytown, USAModel: Z 240I

Weight: 22 pounds

Dimensions: 5.0×8.657×40.0 cm

User page information: . . .

Deutscher Benutzer John Q. Public Hersteller: Acme Incorporated,Anytown, USA Modell: Z 240I Gewicht: 10 Kg Masse: 5.0×8.657×40.0 cmBenutzerseite Informationen: . . .

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may beaffected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope or spirit of the invention.

1. A system for communicating information between the Internet and atleast one stand-alone web object, said system comprising: a webobject-based markup language; a script that defines said web objectusing said language; a mini-server computer electronically connected tosaid web object, to the Internet, processes data relating to said webobject, and communicates with other said web objects; and a browser thatinteracts with said mini-server and displays said data for a useraccessible through the Internet.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein saidmarkup language is nested, with increasingly descriptive termspertaining to said web object appearing in consecutive indentations ofsaid script.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said script isintent-based.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said script iscontent-based.
 5. The script of claim 1, wherein said script containsstatic and dynamic components.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein saidbrowser interprets user preferences and modifies and displays said dataextracted from said mini-server for said web object.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said browser allows customizable data displaysaccording to said user's requests for said web object.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said system displays information from said web objectson Internet web pages according to predetermined settings programmedinto said browser.
 9. The mini-server of claim 1, further comprising anantenna, a central processing unit, a plurality of sensors, a pluralityof data connections, and a power supply.
 10. The mini-server of claim 1,further comprising a security system to prevent unauthorized access. 11.The system of claim 1, wherein said web objects are electronicappliances.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein said web objects arehuman-portable devices.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein said webobjects are vehicles.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein said vehiclesare supervised using the Internet.
 15. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid mini-server controls said web object by an internal program. 16.The system of claim 1, wherein said mini-server controls said web objectby a user direction accesses said mini-server through the Internet. 17.A method of using a system and mark up language for informationextraction from stand-alone devices in webspace, said method comprising:establishing a serial number for a web object; assigning said serialnumber to said web object; storing said serial number on a mini-serverwithin said web object; communicating data about said web object usingthe Internet; communicating between said web object and other webobjects; allowing access said web object through the Internet byauthorized users; updating information about the status of said webobject through the Internet to authorized users; and providing anInternet-based access point for authorized users to view the status ofsaid web object.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said serial numbercontains fixed data about said web object and also contains variabledata about said web object.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein saidvariable data is updatable by said web object or said authorized users.20. The method of claim 17 wherein said web object connects to theInternet.
 21. The method of claim 17 wherein said access to said webobject is in the form of an Internet web page with a unique Internetprotocol (IP) address.